Traditional Lasagna

Name: Traditional Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3/4 pound bulk pork sausage; 3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce; 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 3 large eggs; 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 3 cups 4% small-curd cottage cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 6 slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces); 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + simmering Bake: 70 min. + standing YIELD: 12 servings.

My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
3/4 pound bulk pork sausage
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 cups 4% small-curd cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
6 slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces)
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble beef and sausage until no longer pink; drain. Add next 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add parsley; stir in cottage cheese, ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
3. Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 1 cup meat sauce in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer baking dish with 3 noodles, provolone cheese, 2 cups cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, 3 noodles, 2 cups meat sauce, remaining cottage cheese mixture and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce and mozzarella (dish will be full).
4. Cover; bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, about 20 minutes. Let lasagna stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 503 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1208mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.